Bouleenshere National School is planning to welcome hundreds of past pupils home for the event that will see a special history of the school launched in the form of a book. It's all to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the school with everyone in Ballyheigue and beyond invited to take part.

Taking place on Saturday, September 7, the celebrations will culminate in a special Pattern Dance at the White Sands Hotel on the night.

Retired Bouleenshere teacher Mícheál O hAllmhuráin and Thomas O'Mahony have just compiled the history of the school which will be launched on the day. Mícheál was responsible for chronicling the history, with Thomas tracking down old photographs of life in Bouleenshere over the past 50 years.

"The book is really a treasure trove of fully researched articles dealing with all aspects of education in the area," Mícheál said.

The book explores the history of school buildings in Bouleenshere, of teachers and other staff, the parents' association, of the students and their work and matters of faith. And it comes right up to modern times with input from internationally renowned fashion designer and former pupil Don O'Neill among many others.